Saturday, April 4, 2009

Comment on this- Imagist Poem

The City

In the morning the citySpreads its wingsMaking a songIn stone that sings.

In the evening the cityGoes to bedHanging lights Above its head.

--Langston Hughes

This is an example of imagist poetry because the poem paints a picture in the reader's mind. Although very short, Hughes provides enough detail to give the reader their own idea of what the city looks like. The employment of euphony gives the poem a pleasing effect when it is read and seems to have a positive mood as a result. The good vibes that the poem gives off are also supported by the image of the city spreading its wings. This symbolizes growth and progress. The city singing also makes it seem as though all is well in the world described to us by Hughes. These instances of personification greatly contribute to the positive tone.